We are pretty used to our form of government. The current storm of political rhetoric might make us roll our eyes, but, don’t forget, we still get to choose the people in charge. It’s not that way everywhere: Syria, for example.

We may not be entirely happy with our government, but it sure beats some of the others.

Along with our freedom to choose, comes the responsibility to know fact from fiction in that political rhetoric. As Thomas Jefferson said, “An informed citizenry is the only true repository of the public will.”

More on choice

Otis passed away. His will provided $30,000 for an elaborate funeral. As the last guests departed the affair, his wife turned to her oldest friend. “Well, I’m sure Otie would be pleased,” she said.

“I’m sure you’re right,” replied the lady. She lowered her voice and leaned in close. “How much did this really cost?”

“All of it,” said the widow. “$30,000.”

“No!” said the friend. “I mean, it was very nice, but $30,000?”

“Well,” said the widow, “The funeral was $6,500. I donated $500 to the church in Otie’s name. The wake, food, and drinks were another $500. The rest went for the memorial stone.”

The friend computed quickly. “$22,500 for a memorial stone? Good heavens! How big is it?”

“Two and a half carats.”

Fairly good joke

A young man goes to a girl’s house for the first time. She shows him into the living room then excuses herself to go to the kitchen to make drinks. As he’s standing there alone, he notices a cute little vase on the mantel. He picks it up, and as he’s looking at it she walks back in. He says, “What’s this?”

“Oh, my father’s ashes are in there.”

“Jeez… oooh… I…,” he stammers, embarrassed.

She says, “Yeah, he’s too lazy to go to the kitchen to get an ashtray.”

Another one

A grocer put up a sign that read, “Eggplants, 25¢ each—3 for a dollar.” All day long customers came in saying, “Shouldn’t I get four for a dollar?”

Meekly the grocer would capitulate and package four eggplants. The tailor next door had been watching this and finally asked the grocer, “Aren’t you going to fix the mistake on your sign?”

“What mistake?” the grocer asked. “Before I put up that sign no one ever bought more than one eggplant.”

And another

A mother explained to her young daughter how children are created. She used the expression “carrying a child” alternately with the term “pregnant.” The little girl seemed satisfied.

Sometime later, a big fire broke out down the street and the girl watched through the window. Here is how she described the scene to her parents: “There was this big fire, and a fireman ran into the house, and when he came out he was pregnant!”